When to change manual transmission fluid?

[buyingconstant7]

My 2013 Jetta TDI 6spd only has just shy of 30,000 miles. Now that I've convinced myself to keep it until the wheels fall of, I'm gathering maintenance info(yes I have read the official maintenance guide on my car through this forum), and I'm wondering at what mileage is good to change transmission fluid on my 6spd unit? I had an 02J in my VR6 and ALH and the fluid was never changed and they were a bit difficult to shift sometimes and they had over 200k. Don't want to do it too early, but definitely don't want to do it too late.

 

[turbobrick240]

If you don't constantly grind the gears it should be good to at least 150k miles.

 

[TDI smile]

I had my Transmission Oil changed at 250,000 km or so...

 

[SkeeterMark]

According to the manual:
Brake fluid and clutch unit: Change fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage, and every 2 years after.
This is worded kind of funky (every 3 years is only the first 3), but that's what it says.

I'm over 100k and just passed 3 years, so it's getting done with my service this week.

I have no idea why it's time vs. mileage based. Maybe it breaks down over time?

 

[IAmTodd]

Brake fluid absorbs water which is why it needs to be changed based on a time interval. Gear oil in the gearbox is different. I normally stick with 100k miles.

 

[Ol'Rattler]

Brake fluid absorbs water which is why it needs to be changed based on a time interval. Gear oil in the gearbox is different. I normally stick with 100k miles.

100K miles seems about right to me, or when you replace the clutch.

VW says "Lifetime". Lifetime of what you might ask?

 

[Ol'Rattler]

According to the manual:
Brake fluid and clutch unit: Change fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage, and every 2 years after.
This is worded kind of funky (every 3 years is only the first 3), but that's what it says.

I'm over 100k and just passed 3 years, so it's getting done with my service this week.

I have no idea why it's time vs. mileage based. Maybe it breaks down over time?

Because brake fluid absorbs water over time regardless of the mileage. On my 2006, the recommendation was every 2 years.

On a brand new car, you are starting out with a system that is squeaky clean so you can start out with 3 years. At 5 years, the system isn't squeaky clean anymore..............

 

[tjdeerslayer37]

I did mine at 75k/2.5 ish years

 

[turbobrick240]

I changed my 02Q gear oil at 120k miles and it looked like new. I don't trust the "lifetime fill" bs, but it does last a long time when not abused.

 

[jetlagmech]

I was planning on doing mine with the timing belt but ended up doing it during winter so waiting until the weather warms up a bit. probably with the 140,000 mile oil change.

 

[buyingconstant7]

I changed my 02Q gear oil at 120k miles and it looked like new. I don't trust the "lifetime fill" bs, but it does last a long time when not abused.

Is that the trans code on our 6 speed TDI units? What's the difference between 02M and 02Q?

 

[turbobrick240]

Is that the trans code on our 6 speed TDI units? What's the difference between 02M and 02Q?

Yes, the 02Q is the common rail six speed mt. I'm not sure what the exact differences are. I do know the 02M does much better with SMF clutch conversions. It may have all brass/bronze syncro rings. Ratios might be different too.

 

[AellenV]

I have a 2014 TDI 6 spd , 75K miles, and just added 14 oz of tranny fluid to top it up. I plan on changing it at 150,000, but was surprised it took 14 oz. so when you are doing you are doing your next toil change, might be good to check or top up. My 06 has a noisy bearing now, because I should have been topping that up along the way, now with 230,000 miles

 

[Nuje]

Ummm....where is that fluid going? It's not a consumable that gets burned off slowly like engine oil - it's a wholly sealed system.
Only reason you'd need to "top it up" would be if you have a leak (which I'd make the first of business after having topped up).

 

[AellenV]

The car is 8 years old, But I am just sharing that after owning 6 TDI;s I started checking the tranny out too, as I had left it on the forgotten list for many years. Am I curious, ? sure. but lower fluid generates more heat, and wear....Its good to be proactive too